Lake Wales, FL Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake Wales Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Wales, FL presents an intriguing entry point for short-term rental investors, with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio supported by average home values around $345,318 and annual revenue averaging $24,842. The market is still relatively small at 79 active listings, which means less competition but also signals an earlier-stage opportunity where operators who dial in their approach can stand out. A 43% occupancy rate trails the Florida state average of 54%, but the favorable acquisition cost helps offset softer booking volume.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Wales short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Lake Wales

Lake Wales appeals to investors looking for an affordable Florida market with strong revenue relative to property costs and emerging demand from nature-oriented and lakefront tourism.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Wales earns an "Attractive Opportunity" designation, driven primarily by its strong revenue-to-price ratio — a metric that matters most when evaluating cash-on-cash returns. The market does carry some risk: occupancy stability rates below average and the growth trend shows signs of softening as new supply floods in at a rapid clip. Seasonality is pronounced, with March ($3,761) and July ($3,529) delivering roughly four times the revenue of September ($802), so investors need to price and manage actively through the calendar. For those comfortable with a market still finding its footing, the combination of low entry costs and lakefront appeal makes Lake Wales worth serious consideration."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Wales

Average revenue by month in Lake Wales

Lake Wales shows a clearly bifurcated seasonal pattern, with March ($3,761) and July ($3,529) standing out as dual peaks while September bottoms out at just $802 — a nearly 5x spread that underscores the importance of aggressive dynamic pricing and cash reserve planning for quieter months.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Wales

Supply is distributed relatively evenly across 1-bedroom (24), 2-bedroom (22), and 3-bedroom (21) listings, with 4-bedroom properties notably underrepresented at just 7 units. Given that 4-bedrooms generate the highest revenue and RevPAN, this scarcity could represent a compelling opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake Wales

ADR climbs steadily from $145 for 1-bedrooms to $370 for 4-bedrooms, with the biggest jump occurring between 3-bedroom ($233) and 4-bedroom configurations. The premium-to-cost trade-off looks especially favorable at the 4-bedroom tier, where nightly rates are 2.5x those of 1-bedrooms.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Wales

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $188, nearly doubling the 2-bedroom figure of $106 and more than tripling the 1-bedroom's $55. Interestingly, 3-bedrooms ($87) underperform 2-bedrooms on this metric, suggesting that mid-size units may face stiffer competition or weaker occupancy-adjusted returns.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Wales

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 53%, followed by 4-bedrooms at 51%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties both sit at 38%. The occupancy gap suggests that 2-bedroom units offer the most consistent booking volume, making them a safer choice for investors prioritizing cash-flow stability over peak revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Wales

Monthly revenue scales predictably with size, from $1,121 for 1-bedrooms up to $4,054 for 4-bedroom properties — a nearly 4x difference. The jump from 3-bedrooms ($2,386) to 4-bedrooms ($4,054) is the most dramatic, reinforcing the premium that larger properties command in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Wales

Four-bedroom properties generate an impressive $48,649 in annual revenue, nearly double the $26,414 earned by 2-bedrooms and more than triple the $13,459 from 1-bedroom units. For investors focused on maximizing gross income relative to the limited supply of larger homes in Lake Wales, the 4-bedroom configuration offers the clearest upside.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Wales

Kitchens (90%) and parking (86%) are near-universal, reflecting baseline guest expectations, while outdoor-oriented amenities like backyards (65%), outdoor furniture (62%), and BBQ grills (57%) signal strong demand for properties that offer a relaxed, outdoorsy experience. Lake access (35%) and waterfront positioning (29%) are differentiators that can justify premium pricing in this lakeside market.

Understanding Lake Wales's ROI Score: 59/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Lake Wales earns a 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" band where the revenue potential relative to acquisition cost is a clear strength — the revenue-to-price ratio rates above average thanks to affordable home values paired with meaningful income. However, below-average marks in occupancy stability and market growth trend temper the overall score, reflecting seasonal booking swings and a rapidly expanding supply base. Investors should pair these data points with on-the-ground regulatory research and a realistic cash flow model that accounts for the market's pronounced off-season.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Wales

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Lake Wales. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lake Wales, Florida may need to obtain a local business tax receipt and register with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees vacation rental licensing statewide. Investors should verify current permit requirements directly with the City of Lake Wales and Polk County before listing a property.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in Florida STR markets include occupancy limits based on property size, noise ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA covenants that may limit or prohibit short-term rentals in certain communities. Some areas also impose minimum stay requirements or cap the number of permits issued, so reviewing neighborhood-specific rules is essential before purchasing.

Tax Obligations

Florida imposes a state sales tax and a county-level tourist development tax on short-term rental stays, and Polk County collects its own tourist tax on top of the state rate. Platforms like Airbnb often remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should confirm that all applicable obligations are being met and consider consulting a tax professional.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Lake Wales can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake Wales is likely to see continued supply growth given the 148% year-over-year increase in active listings, which could put modest downward pressure on occupancy if demand doesn't keep pace. Seasonal patterns suggest revenue will concentrate in March and July peaks, with ADR potentially holding steady or rising 1–3% as hosts refine pricing strategies. Investors should plan for a pronounced dip in September (historically the weakest month at roughly $802) and budget accordingly to maintain positive cash flow year-round. Overall, the market's affordability relative to Florida peers gives it room to absorb new supply without immediate oversaturation."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Wales, FL

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Wales?

The average occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Lake Wales is currently 43%, which sits below the Florida state average of 54%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom units lead at 53%, while 1-bedroom and 3-bedroom properties average around 38%. Investors can improve occupancy through competitive pricing, strong amenity packages, and targeting shoulder-season demand.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Wales?

Airbnb hosts in Lake Wales earn an average of $2,070 per month, which translates to roughly $24,842 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average $13,459 annually, while 4-bedroom properties can generate up to $48,649. Peak months like March and July can produce over $3,500, whereas September is the softest month at around $802.

Is Lake Wales a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Wales scores 59 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, placing it in the "Attractive Opportunity" tier. The market's standout strength is its above-average revenue-to-price ratio — with average home values around $345,318 and annual revenue near $24,842, the acquisition cost relative to income potential compares favorably to many Florida markets. However, occupancy stability and market growth trend currently rate below average, so investors should factor in seasonal revenue swings and growing supply when underwriting a deal.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lake Wales?

The average daily rate in Lake Wales is $205, which is well below the Florida state average of $498. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $145, 2-bedrooms sit at $202, 3-bedrooms at $233, and 4-bedroom properties command $370 per night. The lower ADR relative to the state reflects the market's more affordable positioning, which also contributes to its attractive revenue-to-price ratio.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Wales?

Short-term rentals are permitted in Florida, but operators must comply with state licensing through the Florida DBPR as well as any local regulations in Lake Wales and Polk County. Requirements can include business tax receipts, zoning compliance, and adherence to occupancy and noise standards. Investors should contact the City of Lake Wales directly and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Wales?

Lake Wales experiences two distinct revenue peaks: March is the strongest month with average revenue reaching $3,761, driven by spring travel and snowbird season. July follows closely at $3,529, reflecting summer vacation demand. September is the slowest month at approximately $802, so investors should plan their pricing strategy and cash reserves around this seasonal dip.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Wales?

There are currently 79 active Airbnb listings in Lake Wales as of April 2026. Supply is distributed fairly evenly across property sizes: 24 one-bedroom listings, 22 two-bedrooms, 21 three-bedrooms, and 7 four-bedroom properties. Notably, the market has seen 148% year-over-year growth in listings, indicating rapid expansion that investors should monitor closely.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Wales?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake Wales are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder into a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because each month draws on its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how effectively the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts, occupancy rates, and daily rate metrics for the Lake Wales market
• Historical revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking data from active comparable listings
• Property size breakdowns for key performance metrics including ADR, occupancy, RevPAN, and revenue
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to identify guest expectations and competitive positioning
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment underwriting context

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing performance and market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as supply, demand, and regulations evolve. Local short-term rental regulations may change without notice — investors should independently verify all permit, zoning, and tax requirements before acquiring a property.